Balerno Community High School by Balerno High School

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-01-23 20:36:53 UTC

Latest Headteacher update -26th June 2026

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-01-23 20:44:16 UTC

https://balernochs.wordpress.com/category/school-news/parent-carer-news/

Pupil Bulletin (Monday-Thursday)

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-01-23 21:12:36 UTC

https://balernochs.wordpress.com/2024/02/06/bulletin-6th-february-2024/

Timings of the school day

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-01-23 21:16:26 UTC

https://balernochs.wordpress.com/parents-carers/term-dates/

Balerno HS X account

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-01-23 21:58:33 UTC

Balerno HS Instagram

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-01-23 22:00:15 UTC

https://www.instagram.com/balernohw/?hl=en

Feedback to the Parent Council

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-01-24 08:09:16 UTC

The Parent Council would appreciate your feedback

https://forms.office.com/r/9t3jpRqkKP

Rights at Balerno

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-03-02 14:47:23 UTC

RRSA Article of the Month - May 2026

Article 24

For this Article of the Month, we have chosen Article 24 says - Every child has the right to the best possible health.

https://sway.cloud.microsoft/gPJxtZ8uHRBIRELW?ref=Link

Dates for the diary

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-03-07 08:18:17 UTC

Happy holidays!

4.8.26

QS Results day

10.8.26/11.8.26

Inservice days

12.8.26

All learners return to school 08:30

Free School Meals

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-03-07 16:49:09 UTC

https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/schoolgrants

School Transport - City of Edinburgh

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-03-07 16:50:37 UTC

Apply for free school transport – The City of Edinburgh Council

Parent Council Information

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-03-08 08:04:32 UTC

Parent Council | Balerno High School (wordpress.com)

PTA Information

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-03-08 08:05:30 UTC

About the PTA | Balerno High School (wordpress.com)

Requesting a school place at Balerno High School

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-03-08 08:10:57 UTC

Catchment information
Find your catchment school – The City of Edinburgh Council

Request for a school place form
https://www.edinburgh.gov.uk/downloads/file/22328/request-for-school-place-form

Free Bus Travel Scheme for under 22s

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-03-08 09:26:21 UTC

Young Persons' Free Bus Travel Scheme | Transport Scotland

School Transport - West Lothian

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-03-08 10:55:59 UTC

School Transport - West Lothian Council

DYW Opportunities

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-03-08 14:09:22 UTC

Keep an eye here for work-related news, opportunities, and information. Parents/carers and pupils can easily access and apply to relevant opportunities by browsing or using the "Search" function.

https://padlet.com/DYWEmilyHazley/balerno-high-school-dyw-padlet-551xewa0shc1vixt

Padlet Feedback

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-03-08 15:52:12 UTC

https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=af6sSGo3tUKfacnke7-5xNuI6D3Ve1FItf-082p8j89UNlFHRTRITzhUUUs2Q01CSUtISkFJRzlCRyQlQCNjPTEu

Parent/Carer Feedback and next steps

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-03-10 09:56:38 UTC

Collated parent/carer feedback and next steps are shared as part of the HT update at the Parent Council.
Minutes and reports | Balerno High School (wordpress.com)

Support with Social Media

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-03-29 08:49:02 UTC

We are noticing a rise in social media misuse (particularly across younger year groups who are, in turn, becoming vulnerable to exploitation and harm). Please see the following guides for parents and carers for support. The overall safety guide is in this post. The social media specific posts will be below.

Parent Guide to TikTok

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-03-29 08:51:09 UTC

Parent Guide to Instagram

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-03-29 08:51:49 UTC

Parent Guide to Snapchat

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-03-29 08:52:20 UTC

Parent Guide to Discord

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-03-29 08:53:06 UTC

Parent Guide to WhatsApp

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-03-29 08:53:42 UTC

S1

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-04-17 09:56:45 UTC

New this week

Activity Days launched this week.
The programme and sign-up process was explained during Assembly.

The Balerno Way, dressing for excellence
Our updated school uniform is now available on the school website Uniform | Balerno High School (wordpress.com)

Rights Respecting Schools Gold Award (April 2026)

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-04-20 11:00:44 UTC

We are delighted to announce we have been re-accredited our Gold Award. Thank you to all our young people, staff and parents/carers who have driven this forward.

Welcome to our Rights Respecting School | Balerno High School (wordpress.com )

Here is a link to a UNICEF promotional video we have been involved in to promote RRSA across the UK. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=RuG0ItHTRUM&cbrd=1

The Balerno Way...dressing for excellence

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-05-05 06:59:58 UTC

The updated school uniform is now available on the school website Uniform | Balerno High School (wordpress.com)

Feedback from uniform consultation

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-05-05 07:04:26 UTC

https://balernochs.wordpress.com/policies/uniform/

S2

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-05-05 09:56:44 UTC

New this week

Activity Days launched this week.
The programme and sign-up process was explained during Assembly.

Previous

The Balerno Way, dressing for excellence
Our updated school uniform is now available on the school website Uniform | Balerno High School (wordpress.com)

S3

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-05-05 09:57:10 UTC

New this week

Activity Days launched this week.
The programme and sign-up process was explained during Assembly.

Previous

S3 Reports and Pathway Planning | ClickView
The Balerno Way, dressing for excellence
Our updated school uniform is now available on the school website Uniform | Balerno High School (wordpress.com )

S5

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-05-05 11:23:52 UTC

New this week

Attainment Tracker Meetings
The attached was emailed to Carers/Parents to explain a new layer of support for pupils to achieve their very best. At assembly this week the rationale and process will be explained.

Supported Study
All young people have been issued with their ACHIEVE, e-Sgoil and SCHOLAR login details. In addition we have launched our lunchtime and 'by arrangement' Study Support programme.

S6

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-05-05 11:28:32 UTC

New this week

Attainment Tracker Meetings
The attached was emailed to Carers/Parents to explain a new layer of support for pupils to achieve their very best. At assembly this week the rationale and process will be explained.

Supported Study
All young people have been issued with their ACHIEVE, e-Sgoil and SCHOLAR login details. In addition we have launched our lunchtime and 'by arrangement' Study Support programme.

LGBTQ+

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-05-25 08:17:40 UTC

The below links can be used by staff, pupils, families and the wider community to access LGBTQ+ specific services.

https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/

https://www.tie.scot/

https://www.stonewallscotland.org.uk/#

https://www.fflag.org.uk/

https://www.lgbtyouth.org.uk/the-lgbt-charter/the-lgbt-charter-for-organisations/lgbt-charter-rights/

Resources for Parents and Carers - Anxiety and Worry

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-06-05 11:33:04 UTC

Support Group for Parent and Carers of Neurodivergent YP.

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-06-06 09:20:31 UTC

Career Education Support

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-06-16 09:05:29 UTC

Balerno High School and keen to utilise the support from within our local community in relation to career opportunities.

We were very fortunate to have had a comprehensive amount of support from parents and families this session, and we are looking to strengthen this partnership further.

Please click on the form below for more information on the ways in which you can support us with next academic session.

https://forms.office.com/e/xtaiC563sL

Branded school uniform

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-06-21 13:40:48 UTC

At present we are unable to signpost you to where you can purchase branded school uniform due to a CEC tendering process which is underway.

Key dates for this term

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-08-18 06:52:51 UTC

Cyber Byte - New School Year = New Chat Groups (support for families)

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-08-30 09:16:51 UTC

S4

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-09-08 06:48:14 UTC

New this week

Silver Duke of Edinburgh
Here are the slides from the presentation on 10.11.25. please note interest using MS Form sent to parent/carers on 9.12.25. Form closes 13:00 on 15.12.25

Supported Study
All young people have been issued with their ACHIEVE, e-Sgoil and SCHOLAR login details. In addition we have launched our lunchtime and 'by arrangement' Study Support programme.

Digital Health Information Evening Recording

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-09-12 08:49:48 UTC

Key messages from the evening included:

· Talk and keep engaging with your children.

· Avoid judgement and recognize children’s knowledge and expertise.

· Co-develop any future policies - parents, children, teachers.

· Consider: risks, positives, values and outcomes.

· Think about the process: vulnerable groups, confidentiality, anonymity, reviews over time.

· Focus on your and their aspirations - and adopt approaches that meet them.

· Don’t panic – every technological development has generated fears.

· Talk and keep engaging (again!)

The Rights Respecting School Parent and Carer Forum will be looking for ways to continue discussions on this topic. If you are interested in being more involved on this topic or future events, please do get in touch.

Balerno High School Opportunities Fund

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-09-28 15:02:48 UTC

The Balerno High School Opportunities Fund (BHSOF) allows young people to access financial support for extra-curricular activities as well as excursions.
This documents outlines the eligibility criteria as well as an application form. If you have any questions please contact your PSL for support.

Balerno HS Pathways Document

BalernoHighSchool — 2023-11-15 10:43:30 UTC

Balerno Pathways Document 2023-24 to support with Course Choice, Curriculum Support and Wider Support.

Support Information for ACHIEVE

BalernoHighSchool — 2024-01-08 11:54:18 UTC

For N5 and Higher courses you can access learn, assess and self evaluate modules

Home Study Information

BalernoHighSchool — 2024-01-15 16:48:27 UTC

The attached provides information in relation to home study, including the rationale, expectations and what this might look like.

Anti-bullying leaflet for parents/carers

BalernoHighSchool — 2024-03-08 10:11:28 UTC

Mental Health Supports in South-West

BalernoHighSchool — 2024-03-20 12:37:48 UTC

Vaping - Parental Support Resource

BalernoHighSchool — 2024-03-20 12:40:21 UTC

Autism - Support and Info for Families

BalernoHighSchool — 2024-03-20 12:48:09 UTC

Balerno Boutique

BalernoHighSchool — 2024-05-02 11:27:26 UTC

As a school we believe that we should be caring for the planet as well as looking after our school community. We are therefore starting an initiative called ‘Balerno Boutique’ where members of our school community can hand in preloved uniform items with some life left in them to be passed on to other students. Parents and students can hand in items that are no longer being used to the front office. They will then be sorted and ready to be re-loved. Article 26, Article 27

School Communication

BalernoHighSchool — 2024-05-14 07:39:45 UTC

Following parent and carer feedback in March 2024 we have created a paper sharing how we communicate with you. We hope you find this helpdul.

Support for young people with a neurodivergent sibling

BalernoHighSchool — 2024-08-13 16:21:50 UTC

Once a month Barnardo's have a sibling’s group, this is for children and young people 7 years old -16 years old who have a sibling who is neurodivergent. It a chance to come a long and chat with other siblings and learn some information about neurodivergence.

Back to school tips and advice for parents/carers

BalernoHighSchool — 2024-08-21 06:59:54 UTC

School Improvement Priorities 2025-26

BalernoHighSchool — 2024-08-21 14:11:13 UTC

Reporting dates 2025-26

BalernoHighSchool — 2024-08-22 08:51:53 UTC

School Handbook 2025-26

BalernoHighSchool — 2024-08-27 08:15:05 UTC

Making a complaint

BalernoHighSchool — 2024-08-27 15:16:53 UTC

if you wish to make a formal complaint information can be accessed via this link

Financial Support and Advice for Families

BalernoHighSchool — 2024-08-28 17:10:52 UTC

The Advice Shop is City of Edinburgh Council’s welfare rights and debt advice service. It is accessible to all Edinburgh residents and aims to improve people’s financial situation by ensuring they have access to any welfare benefits that they may be entitled to and addressing any personal debt that is causing difficulties. Advisors can assist with filling in forms, advocacy with the DWP, Social Security Scotland, creditors, representation at benefit appeals etc.

They are able to provide all information and advice remotely or in person, including home visits when this is essential. They operate a telephone Advice Line on 0131 200 2360 which is open 5 days a week from 9am to 1pm, except Tuesdays start at 10am. These hours may increase toward the end of 2024. They are also accessible by email at advice.shop@edinburgh.gov.uk for non-urgent enquiries. People with urgent enquiries can attend their drop in at 249 High Street on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

More information on their webpage www.edinburgh.gov.uk/adviceshop where you can also submit an enquiry form to seek information and advice.

Well done to our Hockey Team

BalernoHighSchool — 2024-09-02 08:38:13 UTC

Our boy's hockey team were up in Aberdeen this weekend and played some of their best hockey. Well done everyone!

Another photo!

BalernoHighSchool — 2024-09-02 08:38:43 UTC

Balerno HS Vape and Smoke Free School Policy

BalernoHighSchool — 2024-09-10 16:10:26 UTC

This policy has been shared at the Parent Council and our Pupil HWB committee launched it with our young people at the Assembly on 13.9.24.

Football success

BalernoHighSchool — 2024-09-19 11:58:16 UTC

Congratulations to Peter Kellock and Keir McMeekin who have been selected to be part of the Scotland U15s squad. They will soon be travelling to Serbia to play in a national tournament against Greece, Slovakia and Serbia.

Child Protection

BalernoHighSchool — 2024-09-23 13:44:34 UTC

If you have any questions please contact Miss Vaila Wright, DHT who is our designated member of staff for Child Protection at Balerno High School.

https://balernochs.wordpress.com/policies/

Attainment Report December 2025

BalernoHighSchool — 2024-10-14 08:45:39 UTC

This report includes information on attainment and positive destinations following the release of Insight data in September.

Care Experienced Policy

BalernoHighSchool — 2024-11-19 11:04:55 UTC

Here is Balerno High School's Care Experienced Policy for your reference.

Education Resource Group (ERC) information

BalernoHighSchool — 2024-12-05 12:08:15 UTC

Here is a link to information about the CEC Education Resource Group. This provides information for any young person who may require specialist provision for their education.

https://sway.cloud.microsoft/djWAATWNy7rpwbKE?ref=Link

CEC Balerno Supported Self Evaluation Summary Letter

BalernoHighSchool — 2025-01-16 07:26:11 UTC

In November 2024 colleagues for CEC undertook a whole school supported self-evaluation. This identified key strengths and next steps for the school.

Accessing Child Benefit

BalernoHighSchool — 2025-01-16 07:55:32 UTC

Place2Be Health & Wellbeing Support

BalernoHighSchool — 2025-01-16 08:02:13 UTC

Parenting advice from Place2Be child mental health experts

How to donate to the Edinburgh School Uniform Bank

BalernoHighSchool — 2025-01-20 11:48:10 UTC

Information on vaccinations offered at school

BalernoHighSchool — 2025-01-23 08:31:04 UTC

NHS Scotland have produced this short video (6mins) to answers questions you may have about vaccinations. We hope you find it helpful

Holocaust Memorial Day

BalernoHighSchool — 2025-01-23 16:28:18 UTC

The 27th of January is Holocaust Memorial Day. It is a day to remember those murdered in the Holocaust, and all genocides since. Here is what we have been doing as a school to commemorate Holocaust Memorial Day.

S1 Social Subjects - All S1s have been completing Kindertransport projects in Social Subjects.
Lessons from Auschwitz - Eva and Jess in S6 have taken part in the Lessons from Auschwitz Programme this year. As part of their next steps project, they delivered our whole school assembly for Holocaust Memorial Day. They have also set up displays in Currie and Balerno libraries - it would be great if you could pop in to have a look if you are in the local area.
Vision Schools Award - We are delighted to have been awarded our Level 1 Vision Schools Award for the school’s commitment to Holocaust Education and will receive this at the Scottish Parliament next month.

e-Sgoil Study Support webinars

BalernoHighSchool — 2025-01-24 16:43:02 UTC

The weekly Study Support webinars on e-Sgoil are an excellent resource available to all S4, S5 and S6 pupils to support preparation for exams.

Mr Blair has created a short video to explain how to sign up.

⭐Study Support

BalernoHighSchool — 2025-01-24 16:52:33 UTC

We have updated the list of lunchtime Study Support sessions.

Holocaust Memorial Day

BalernoHighSchool — 2025-01-31 07:43:00 UTC

This sway showcases the work completed by S1 pupils as part of our focus on Holocaust Memorial Day.

Wellbeing support for families

BalernoHighSchool — 2025-03-19 07:16:37 UTC

This link takes you to wellbeing support for families. It includes signposting to apps, videos and other supports

Mobile Phone Consultation May 2025

BalernoHighSchool — 2025-05-28 11:30:00 UTC

Pupils, staff and parent/carers were consulted on the use of mobile phones at Balerno High School. This is the current feedback and next steps

Parent Carer Survey results March 2025

BalernoHighSchool — 2025-05-28 11:31:41 UTC

Parent Carer FAQ following the survey March 2025

BalernoHighSchool — 2025-05-28 11:33:35 UTC

Following the feedback from the March 2025 parent/carer survey this document was created to answer some of the questions raised. If you require further information please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Water Polo Success

BalernoHighSchool — 2025-06-16 13:42:43 UTC

Congratulations to the S1-S3 pupils involved in the Scottish Schools Water Polo Junior Championships. The silver plate they received is in the display cabinets outside SLT

Water Polo 2

BalernoHighSchool — 2025-06-17 06:16:48 UTC

Water Polo U17 Warrender team

BalernoHighSchool — 2025-06-17 14:36:02 UTC

On 7th June Euan and Andrew Sligo played with their U17 Warrender team in the Scottish Cup Final U17 against Stirling, winning 13:4. We are very proud, the school really has got a talented team of Water polo players.

Equestrian Success

BalernoHighSchool — 2025-06-19 08:20:06 UTC

Congratulations to Joshua Carnochan 2C2 who won his 2nd round British Novice class on his young pony that's hes been training for the last 10 months. The pony is a complete novice so a massive achievement for him & as a result has qualified for another national final this summer with her so 3 national finals with her now.

Balerno Times - latest edition

BalernoHighSchool — 2025-06-23 12:12:10 UTC

Here is the Summer edition of the Balerno Times, the team hope you will enjoy it.

School term dates 2026/27

BalernoHighSchool — 2025-08-18 09:08:31 UTC

Lunch Clubs with the Support Team

BalernoHighSchool — 2025-08-18 09:38:17 UTC

Mobile Phone Policy

BalernoHighSchool — 2025-08-19 16:25:22 UTC

Following consultation with all stakeholders here is our mobile phone policy.

BalernoHighSchool — 2025-09-25 15:30:01 UTC

This is an exciting project that aims to give a voice to neurodivergent young people living in Scotland, to bring awareness about their strengths and barriers, and to empower them to make meaningful changes.

Please scroll for full information

BalernoHighSchool — 2025-09-25 15:31:05 UTC

South West drop-in service

BalernoHighSchool — 2025-09-25 15:37:43 UTC

Supporting your HWB

BalernoHighSchool — 2025-11-24 14:11:02 UTC

There are some fantastic resources here to support your Health and Wellbeing. Check them out!

Online Safety event

BalernoHighSchool — 2025-12-10 07:31:20 UTC

Feedback on HT email Dec 2025

BalernoHighSchool — 2025-12-17 11:57:52 UTC

CEC Support for our families

BalernoHighSchool — 2026-02-04 16:13:58 UTC

BalernoHighSchool — 2026-02-04 16:38:41 UTC

P7 transition letter 1

BalernoHighSchool — 2026-02-04 16:41:07 UTC

Raising Mental Health

BalernoHighSchool — 2026-02-12 16:21:00 UTC

The Solihull Approach Parenting Scotland is an evidence-based, nurturing, and relationship-focused framework used by professionals—such as health visitors and nurses—to help parents understand their child's behaviour through the lenses of containment, reciprocity, and behaviour management. It supports emotional health from pregnancy to age 18, aiming to strengthen the parent-child bond and improve children's wellbeing. This is a free resource if you use the code: TARTAN

Link to website:

Home - Togetherness

DYW - latest news!

BalernoHighSchool — 2026-02-13 09:51:53 UTC

P7 transition letter 2

BalernoHighSchool — 2026-02-27 07:51:03 UTC

Celebrating Balerno success

BalernoHighSchool — 2026-03-10 17:04:53 UTC

P7 transition letter 3

BalernoHighSchool — 2026-04-23 16:48:43 UTC

BalernoHighSchool — 2026-04-24 06:02:37 UTC

P7 Transition lesson 1

BalernoHighSchool — 2026-04-27 11:39:56 UTC

P7 Transition Lesson 1

Children First Support for parents and carers

BalernoHighSchool — 2026-06-02 06:23:25 UTC

P7 Information Evening presentation

BalernoHighSchool — 2026-06-11 17:29:57 UTC

P7 transition letter 4

BalernoHighSchool — 2026-06-11 17:32:00 UTC

Parent Carer Feedback May 2026

BalernoHighSchool — 2026-06-12 05:42:27 UTC

School term dates 2027/28

BalernoHighSchool — 2026-06-12 05:44:32 UTC

School term dates 2028/29

BalernoHighSchool — 2026-06-12 05:44:56 UTC

BalernoHighSchool — 2026-06-17 08:35:41 UTC

DYW June Newsletter

BalernoHighSchool — 2026-06-17 13:34:32 UTC